Mulkirigala Temple: The Seven Painted Caves
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Port
Hambantota, Sri Lanka
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$109
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
In southern Sri Lanka, discover one of the most impressive rock temples on the island. Surrounded by terraces and forest, the secluded Mulkirigala Temple, dating back to 130 BC, rises almost vertically to a height of 676 feet. The origins of this ancient temple are unclear, but today, it is a place of sacred serenity.
At various points in Sri Lankan history, the seven cave temples have been painted with fine murals. These impressive frescoes depict the different stages of Buddha's life, with each cave telling a different story. In some of the most recent paintings, Portuguese and Dutch uniforms appear, signifying the advent of European colonization of Sri Lanka. Throughout the caves, there are also various statues of Buddha — reclining, sitting and standing. The climb to the top may be quite demanding, but well worth it, as the view from the summit is quite spectacular. The rock forms the highest peak for many miles, so the panoramic view is unrivalled in the south of the island.
Climb back down the steps for the return journey back to the ship.
Notes:
Modest attire is required; knees, shoulders and midriffs must be covered; shorts are not allowed. You must remove your shoes at one or more location(s). Bring along a pair of thick socks to protect your feet from the hot pavement. No bags of any kind may be carried inside; these can be left safely on the coach. Not advisable for guests with mobility limitations. Terrain includes even and uneven surfaces, steep inclines, gravel, grass, and 500 steps up and down.